NEWS

THE 'HIGHRIDERS'

Chifley Tower in Sydney partnered with Chain Reaction to sponsor a Chifley rider to participate in the NSW 2015 tour of New Zealand and support the fund raising efforts.

In order to select the rider to represent Chifley, they created the 'HIGHRIDERS' team where 25 avid cyclists from a number of high profile companies within Chifley competed for the most elevation metres gained on Strava, between Monday 19 January – Sunday 8 February to win a place on the Chain Reaction Challenge.

The winner was Carl Piesse from Hays who won the competition with over 45,000m elevation over the three week period!

To support the fund raising cause, the HIGHRIDERS team competed in the spirit of camaraderie, teamwork and fun and have collectively raised over $7,500 going towards Chain Reaction's charity partner – The Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute.

The HIGHRIDERS had their profiles featured in the digital lift screens and lobby screen in the tower to encourage their colleagues to support them and their fund raising efforts. Chifley displayed a leader board in the lobby that marked the progress of the riders and acknowledged their key achievements.

Congratulations to Carl and the entire Highriders team for all of their efforts and fund raising support.

November 2014 - Chain Reaction Women's 300

On Friday 14 November 2014, 20 women from Australia’s corporate ranks embarked on an amazing three-day, 300km journey around Victoria’s Bellarine and Mornington Peninsulas as they rode in Chain Reaction’s second Women’s 300 event.

All of the hard work on the bike over these three gruelling days was being done for a fantastic cause, Freedom Wheels, a charity that custom builds bikes for kids with disabilities. Pleasingly thanks to the generous support of our corporate partners, ISPT and Crema Constructions, and the generosity of each rider’s donors almost $95,000 has been raised to date.

The riders travelled to by coach to the start line Barwon Heads for the beginning of Stage 1 which was an 82 km loop around the Bellarine Peninsula. Day 2 was the queen stage of the ride and was an amazing 122 km loop along parts of the Great Ocean Road towards Aireys Inlet before returning to Barwon Heads. On the final day riders had an early start to cross Port Phillip Bay by ferry. Once in Sorrento the torrential rain could not dampen the spirit of the riders as they rode the last stretch home to the finish line in St Kilda. The 122 km ridden mainly in the wet was soon forgotten as they were welcomed home by a very excited groups of family and friends.

Congratulations to all the riders involved in this event and we hope to see you back again in 2015.

September 2014 - Chain Reaction Challenge 2015 ride routes announced

Chain Reaction is excited to announce the routes for each of the Foundation’s seven-day challenges taking place in 2015. Next year’s events promise to be some of the most incredible journeys ever in Chain Reaction’s history, offering participants a once-in-a-lifetime cycling opportunity.

The first event in the 2015 Chain Reaction calendar will be the Victorian ride, taking place from 1 – 6 March. In a first for the Foundation, riders will leave Australian soil and fly over the Tasman Sea to take part in an epic cycling adventure through New Zealand’s beautiful South Island. Starting from Christchurch, participants will ride some of the world’s best cycling roads including the iconic Arthur’s Pass, the South Island’s stunning west coast, past the beautiful Franz Joseph and Fox Glaciers and through the Crown Range from Wanaka to Queenstown.

Similarly, riders of the New South Wales challenge will also travel to New Zealand to ride the identical South Island course. The New South Wales ride will take place directly after the Victorian event, starting on Sunday 8 March in Christchurch and concluding on Friday 13 March in Queenstown.

The Foundation’s final seven day event in 2015, the Queensland ride, will see participants travel to Far North Queensland. Destined to be simply spectacular, riders will cycle through beautiful areas including Port Douglas, Palm Cove, the Daintree and Cape Tribulation, whilst also visiting stunning inland locations such as the Gillies Range and Milla Milla Falls. Riding amidst Australia's most famous rainforests, through iconic banana palm and sugar cane fields and alongside pearlescent beaches will make the 2015 Queensland event certainly one to remember. The ride will commence in Cairns on Saturday 9 May and conclude in Cairns on Friday 15 May.

Expressions of interest for each of the three events are now open, so if you would like to participate, please download an EOI form from the relevant event page by clicking one of the links below:

If you have any questions regarding riding or sponsoring an event, please contact Andrew Drucker, Marketing Manager, on 03 8623 3436 or andrew@chain-reaction.org.au

August 2014 - Riders already gearing up for the Chain Reaction Women's 300 this November

In November 2013, Chain Reaction hosted its inaugural Women’s Challenge, a three-day 300km event that took in Victoria’s amazing Mornington Peninsula. This ground breaking event was Australia’s first women’s only charity bike ride and was an enormous success for the Foundation.

Now known as the Women’s 300, the 2014 event is taking place again this November and already we are seeing fantastic interest in the ride. The course for 2014 sees riders experience some of Victoria’s most beautiful coastal areas around the Bellarine Peninsula and Great Ocean Road before catching the ferry over to Sorrento and retuning home via the iconic Beach Road.

We are now seeking expressions of interest for the event and welcome any and all female riders that would like to be part of this life-changing experience. More information can be found on the event page by clicking here.

Chain Reaction is also seeking corporate sponsorship for the event, so if you or your company are interested in getting involved, please email Andrew Drucker, Marketing Manager, at andrew@chain-reaction.org.au or call 03 8623 3436.

Chain Reaction is proud to announce the final charity recipients and their funding allocation as a result of events run by the Foundation during the 2013-2014 financial year.

As a result of the outstanding fundraising effort, Chain Reaction donated $2,118,000 to our children’s charity partners this year.

The donation amounts and the charity recipients for each of the three rides are summarised below:

VICTORIAVery Special Kids - $337,000To help renovate Very Special Kids House, Victoria’s only children’s hospice that caters for terminally ill children and their families.Starlight Children’s Foundation - $345,000To continue to run the Starlight Express Room at the Monash Children’s Hospital for 12 months and grant life changing wishes to Starlight children in Victoria.Freedom Wheels - $57,000Run the Freedom Wheels program which custom builds bikes for children with disabilities so that they can enjoy the independence, mobility and a new found sense of pride by riding a bike.e.Motion21 - $45,000To provide specialist dance and fitness programs for children with Down syndrome.Smiling Mind - $30,000To help provide intervention programs designed to bring balance to the lives of young people in need.Mirabel Foundation - $25,000To help children who have been orphaned or abandoned due to parental illicit drug use.Learning for Life - $20,000To help provide early intervention programs to pre-school children with an autism spectrum disorder.

NEW SOUTH WALESVictor Chang Cardiac Research Institute - $250,000To continue to fund a multi-disciplinary program for research into congenital heart disease in babies and the role genes play in this disease, to help find a cure. Children’s Hospital Westmead – $65,000To help the hospital continue their programs that lead change and ensure excellence in clinical care, research, teaching and advocacy.Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation – $20,000To help promote the prevention and treatment of illness and injury in children by providing critical equipment to the Sydney Children’s Hospital.Bear Cottage - $25,000To help support the Bear Cottage children’s hospice in NSW, a facility dedicated to caring for children with life-limiting conditions.HeartKids - $15,000To help provide ongoing support to families of children with congenital heart disease.

QUEENSLANDAEIOU Foundation - $376,000To continue to fund the construction of the new AEIOU Gold Coast Centre that provides unprecedented care for children with autism and support for between 30 and 40 children.Starlight Children’s Foundation - $345,000To continue to run the Starlight Express Room at the Mater Children’s Hospital for 12 months and grant life changing wishes to Starlight children in Queensland.Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation - $95,000To fund educational camps for children recently diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes to help them ensure their condition is safely managed.Aunties & Uncles Queensland - $38,000To help run early intervention and prevention programs targeting vulnerable and disadvantaged children aged 1-12 years.Childhood Cancer Support - $27,500To help provide a range of support services to families of children undergoing oncology treatment at the Royal Children's Hospital Brisbane.Two Wheels - $2,500To help young people with mental illness work to refurbish bikes that are then provided to under-privileged children.

Chain Reaction sincerely thanks the corporate partners, supporters, individual donors and volunteers who were involved and helped ensure Chain Reaction had such an outstanding year. We look forward to our next event in November 2014, the Women’s 300.

On Thursday 29 May 2014, AEIOU Foundation celebrated the official opening of its new early intervention centre for children with autism on the Gold Coast. This new, state-of-the-art centre was made possible as a result of significant funding provided by 2013 and 2014 Chain Reaction Challenge Queensland events.

The new centre provides best practice early intervention for 20 local children and their families and features facilities including a motor skills room, a parent training room, individual therapy rooms, four education rooms and a custom-designed outdoor play area.

Autism affects thousands of Australian children, and families on the Gold Coast were in desperate need of support. The centre offers a location for training and workshops as well as early intervention, and with additional classrooms, AEIOU hopes to eventually enrol up to 40 children in the facility.

AEIOU Foundation for Children with Autism is one of Australia’s largest providers of full-time early intervention for children with autism, and operates nine centres in Queensland, supporting more than 200 children each year. Children who complete AEIOU’s program show significant gains in their communication, as well as reductions in autism symptoms. Around 70 per cent of children who complete the program successfully transition to mainstream school.

Since 2012, the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute has been a major charity recipient of the Chain Reaction New South Wales Challenge. Chain Reaction has so far provided over $1 million in funding to the Institute, with another significant donation being allocated later this year.

As a result of this funding, the Institute has been able to establish The Chain Reaction Research Program in Congenital Heart Disease, a specific initiative run by Professor Sally Dunwoodie that is working to identify the genetic cause of congenital heart disease – the most common form of birth defect in newborn babies. The funding has also allowed the Institute to purchase critical pieces of equipment such as an Option Projection Tomography Microscope, and recruit new researchers to help ensure the program has the highest chance of success.

Very recently, Professor Dunwoodie was thrilled to be able to announce an exciting breakthrough in her research that has come about as a result of this program.

In researching a family where heart defects were prevalent, Professor Dunwoodie and her team sequenced the DNA from members of that family, comparing 3000 million bits of genetic code. What they found was the one defect that was actually responsible for causing congenital heart disease in that family. This critical breakthrough is now being communicated back to relevant families at risk, and is making a significant difference.

The Chain Reaction Research Program in Congenital Heart Disease is the biggest research program of its kind in Australia, and is one of only a few worldwide. It is a critical program and is one which Chain Reaction is incredibly proud to support.

Please Click Here to view a short video about the program and the research breakthrough.

May 2014 - Queensland ride one for the record books

Last week, Chain Reaction’s Queensland riders conquered their 2014 challenge in wonderful fashion, completing not only an immensely difficult course, but also raising an incredible $1,000,000 in the process. This outstanding result smashed the previous Queensland record of $906,000, only further illustrating the hard work done by all riders on their personal fundraising.

This year, a large group of 46 riders joined the event, taking on a gruelling 1000km course from Grafton to Brisbane in just seven days. Riders were challenged to take on the iconic 230km Grafton to Inverell course on the Sunday, experiencing horrific conditions with howling winds and subzero wind-chill temperatures. However, this punishing effort did seem to galvanize riders, their mindset even stronger after such a task.

The following day from Inverell to Tenterfield wasn’t much easier either, with another 202km testing the legs, and minds, of many riders. From there, conditions, and course difficulty began to improve, and it wasn’t before long that riders were cruising the streets of Brisbane on their way to the South Bank Surf Club finish line to the warm welcome of family and friends.

Thankfully, the difficulty of the course was balanced by some simply outstanding scenery. Each stage of this year’s event provided riders with stunning natural views and quiet roads, making for some simply brilliant cycling. Of particular note, the road from Killarney to Boonah was breathtaking, with riders cruising along gorgeous mountain roads near the beautiful Queen Mary Falls. Certainly a cycling experience that amazed all riders.

But, over the course of the ride, it wasn’t just the quality cycling that made for such an incredible event. At the end of Day Three in Casino, riders participated in team velodrome challenge on the local track. Teams were given the opportunity to bid for the ambassadors to join their group, with over $21,000 being raised alone from the auction. Team BBC Digital / Condev eventually won the day, edging out Katarzyna for line honours.

In a first for Chain Reaction too, on the Wednesday evening riders and support crew were treated to an amazing outback experience at Melrose Station, the country property of Peter Lindores, outside of Killarney. Under a starlit sky with bon fires raging, riders experienced a wonderful home cooked dinner courtesy of the Lindores. Truly an experience to remember.

But the seven days of exhausting work on the bike, not to mention the four months of training prior, was all in the name of raising money for two very worthy children’s charities, AEIOU Foundation for children with autism and the Starlight Children’s Foundation.

Money raised from the event will go directly towards the construction of a new AEIOU Foundation centre on the Gold Coast, which will provide unprecedented care and support for between 30 and 40 children with autism. In addition, funds raised will ensure the Starlight Express Room at the Mater Children’s Hospital in Brisbane can remain open all year round, providing a haven for sick children and bringing smiles back to their faces.

If you would like to read about the ride in more detail, you can view our event blog by clicking here. There, you will find daily commentary plus a short video of each day. Photos of the event can also be found at Chain Reaction’s Facebook page and by viewing the hashtag #crqld2014 on Instagram.

The Foundation’s second event for 2014 took place last week, with Chain Reaction’s NSW riders completing their 1000km in seven days ride around Tasmania in beautiful conditions. In an excellent result for the Foundation, the 28 riders managed to raise over $545,000 to help benefit the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute and other children’s charities.

Riders travelled an anti-clockwise loop around Tasmania, starting from Hobart on Saturday 22 March, and were treated to wonderful weather, experiencing mild and sunny days for much of the event. But the favourable conditions couldn’t disguise the challenging terrain, with riders experiencing a demanding course throughout the week, taking in many significant climbs and seemingly endless rolling hills.

The lovely riding conditions did certainly provide views of some amazing natural landscapes, with areas such as Cradle Mountain, Mt Roland and Swansea making a real impact on riders. But the unofficial favourite day for many was the route from Queenstown on Day Five, where riders experienced an incredible climb through the clouds up 99 Bends Road on their way to the picturesque Lake Burberry before finishing with a beautiful ascent to the Tasmanian hydro town of Tarraleah.

The event concluded on Friday 28 March with a breathtaking loop around the Huon Valley. The 75km route was planned to perfection by Ride Director Tim Chadd, and took in a vast array of beautiful areas from coastal landscapes to quiet tree lined roads. A fitting way to finish what was an extremely memorable event.

If you would like to read about the ride in more detail, you can view our event blog by clicking here. There you will find daily commentary plus a short video of each day. Photos of the event can also be found at Chain Reaction’s Facebook page and by viewing the hashtag #crnsw2014 on Instagram.

Riders of the Chain Reaction Challenge Victoria 2014 completed their incredible 1000km in seven days journey around Tasmania on Saturday 15 March, setting a new fundraising benchmark in the process. In the most successful Chain Reaction event to date, 45 riders managed to raise over $1.054 million to support the Starlight Children’s Foundation and Very Special Kids. Importantly, the 2014 Victorian event hosted 25 new riders making the fundraising effort even more significant.

Over the course of the seven day event, participants were treated to some of Australia’s most picturesque riding. Cycling through gorgeous areas such as Swansea, Cradle Mountain, Tarraleah and Launceston, riders generally experienced fine and mild conditions which was helpful given the difficult nature of the terrain, with Mt Wellington and Mt Roland really testing the physical and mental toughness of riders.

The event concluded with riders boarding the Spirit of Tasmania on the evening of Friday 14th March before arriving in Melbourne on the Saturday and riding to Very Special Kids in Malvern to the warm welcome of family and friends. It was a wonderful way to finish what was certainly one of Chain Reaction’s most memorable events.

If you would like to read about the ride in more detail, please visit the event blog by clicking here. On that page you will find daily commentary of the ride along with a short video of each day. Photos of the event can also be found at Chain Reaction’s Facebook page and by viewing the hashtag #crvic2014 on Instagram.

On Saturday 8 February, Chain Reaction riders from Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland were treated to a very special experience at the Jayco Herald Sun Tour.

Guests were transported from Melbourne to Nagambie for Stage 3 of the race, where they were met riders from KordaMentha Real Estate – Team Australia and enjoyed a quick breakfast before being briefed by team managers on the plans for the day ahead.

Each guest was provided with a seat in a team or an official’s vehicle for the duration of the stage, with everyone given the opportunity to really experience in the ins-and-outs of a pro team behind the scenes. Guests even enjoyed a taste of being a soigneur, giving out bidons to riders over the course of the stage.

At the stage finish line, everyone gathered in a special VIP area to watch the presentation ceremony before boarding Orica GreenEDGE boss, Gerry Ryan’s, private boat to cruise down the Goulburn River to Mitchelton Winery. In a special treat for guests, pro cycling champion, Stuart O’Grady, joined the cruise, speaking eloquently about all things cycling.

Upon arrival at Mitchelton, guests were then given an in depth tour of the winery, sampling many reserve wines and hearing from Head Winemaker, Travis Clydesdale, about their award – winning winemaking techniques.

In a fitting end to the day, guests were treated to a special dinner in the Mitchelton Winery dining room, where Gerry Ryan hosted the ‘Voice of Cycling’, Phil Liggett, Stuart O’Grady and John Trevorrow. Riders from Orica GreenEDGE, Team KordaMentha Real Estate – Team Australia and the Jayco Australian U23 National Team were also in attendance which made for a simply fantastic evening.

Thanks to KordaMentha Real Estate for organising the event and to Gerry Ryan for being such a gracious host.

November 2013 - Chain Reaction Celebrates Raising $10m in Style at Melbourne Public

Wednesday 20 November saw Chain Reaction celebrate reaching the enormous milestone of having raised $10 million since inception with a gala event at Melbourne’s South Wharf.

Attended by over 200 people, the event was a huge success for the Foundation with alumni riders, charity partners, support crew and guests all joining in the festivities to celebrate the amazing achievement.

On arrival, guests were welcomed by the brand new Chain Reaction PIPER ambulance that was purchased in 2013 for the Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation as result of proceeds of the Victorian ride. Mascots from the Starlight Children’s Foundation and major charity partner for the Victorian ride in 2014, Very Special Kids, were also in attendance. Theming inside the venue included a selection of ride jerseys spanning Chain Reaction’s events from 2007 to 2013 and a fleet of high end bikes.

Founder and Chairman of the Foundation, Berrick Wilson, spoke eloquently about the Foundation, its humble beginnings, where it is now and what is envisaged for the future. Berrick graciously thanked those that helped him launch Chain Reaction all those years ago and went on to empower everyone in the room to help the Foundation reach $20m in 10 years – a feat Chain Reaction would be thrilled to achieve.

However, the highlight of the evening was the entertaining presentation by Ben ‘Heggers’ Hegerty and Michael ‘Knoffy’ Knoff. These veterans of Chain Reaction were welcomed on stage by Australian cycling champion, Orica GreenEDGE rider and Chain Reaction Ambassador, Simon Gerrans, and his lovely wife, Rahna. Heggers and Knoffy threw all number of probing questions at both Rahna and Simon, drawing plenty of laughs from the crowd. Of course, Rahna and Simon we very measured in their responses, but the Q&A session was exceptionally entertaining nonetheless.

The event was truly a wonderful occasion and a particularly great way to celebrate such an amazing achievement.

Huge thanks must go to Total Rush and Melbourne Public for generously sponsoring the event and helping Chain Reaction put on this great celebration. Thanks also to Total Rush for providing the bikes on show at the event.

Thanks also to everyone that attended – it was wonderful to have you all there to mark the occasion.

All of the hard work on the bike over these three gruelling days was being done for a fantastic cause. The Chain Reaction Women’s Challenge raised almost $80,000 to support Freedom Wheels, a charity that custom builds bikes for kids with disabilities.

The event saw riders cycle from Melbourne to Cape Schanck along the iconic Beach Road cycling route on day one. On day two, riders experienced a picturesque 110km journey around the Mornington Peninsula taking in areas such as Portsea, Arthur’s Seat and Red Hill. On the third and final day, participants rode back to Melbourne from Cape Schanck before arriving at the finish line at The Great Provider café in St Kilda to a warm welcome from friends and family.

Chain Reaction’s inaugural Women’s Challenge was a breakthrough event for the Foundation, and with more and more women joining the cycling community every day, Chain Reaction is confident that this ride will be an annual event.

Over 80 executive guests gathered at the Westfield head office in Sydney for an intimate lunch and to hear from Simon about his outstanding 2013 season and his plans for the 2014 pro cycling tour. Tour de France commentator and SBS Cycling Central host, Michael Tomalaris, was also there as the event’s MC, doing a great job of introducing the formalities.

As Chain Reaction’s official Ambassador, Simon spoke very highly of the Foundation, whilst also officially launching the 2014 New South Wales event that will see riders travel to Tasmania. Destined to be an amazing event, the 2014 New South Wales ride aims to raise over $800,000 and will once again support the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Centre and other children’s charities.

Guests also heard from Chain Reaction Founder and Chairman, Berrick Wilson, who explained to guests the origins of Chain Reaction and also what it sets out to achieve. Berrick’s message was about teamwork and that Chain Reaction provides an opportunity for everyone to participate in a “life changing” experience from both the rider’s perspective and also the children that the Foundation supports.

The event was another excellent instance of Chain Reaction’s Industry Leaders Lunch series, the concept of which also takes place in Victoria and Queensland.

Chain Reaction achieved an incredibly significant milestone this month, surpassing $10 million in funds raised for children’s charities since the Foundation’s inception in 2007.

An historic accomplishment after just seven years and twelve rides, reaching this milestone is a significant feat for the Foundation and one which it plans to build on over the coming years.

Chain Reaction is now not only seen as the preeminent corporate charity cycling event in Australia, but also a significant contributor to many of Australia’s most respected children’s charities.

Since 2007, the event has grown into New South Wales and Queensland, with three seven day events now taking place each year. In addition, in 2013, Chain Reaction launched its inaugural three-day women’s ride which the Foundation hopes will grow to be just as successful as the longer format events.

Chain Reaction’s growth, not only in the number of rides it hosts, but also the amount raised per ride, can be attributed to the hard work of many riders, sponsors, supporters, family and friends who all should be congratulated and thanked for helping the Foundation reach this milestone. This growth in fundraising is plain to see when comparing the $475,000 raised in 2007, which was an outstanding result at the time, versus the $2.5 million raised in 2013.

Over the course of the past seven years, Chain Reaction has provided funding to a multitude of very worthy children’s charities. The Foundation has provided funding to keep Starlight Express Rooms in Melbourne and Brisbane running, build a new wing at the CPEC centre in Victoria, purchase two child specific intensive care ambulances, undertake state-of-the-art research into congenital heart disease in babies and purchase an Endobroncial Ultrasound Machine for the Royal Children’s Hospital in Brisbane. These examples, of course, only touch the surface of what Chain Reaction has funded for its charity partners over the years and the Foundation looks forward to providing assistance to many more children’s charities in years to come.

Chain Reaction now has organising committees in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane to help facilitate each of the three events and to ensure the Foundation consistently receives funding from new and existing sponsors. The generous individuals on these committees lend their time to the Foundation at no cost and their assistance is certainly very much appreciated.

There truly are far too many people and organisations to thank for helping Chain Reaction reach this incredible milestone. But to all that have been involved and continue to be involved, thank you. Without your support, we could not have reached this amazing milestone and we look forward to many more prosperous years ahead.

September 2013 - Rider Expressions of Interest now open for 2014 events

Chain Reaction's 2014 events are officially open with rider expression of interest forms now available.

Again, Chain Reaction will offer events for the Queensland, New South Wales and Victorian business communities, as the Foundation once again works to raise much needed funds for children's charities.

The 2014 events promise to be simply outstanding, boasting scenic routes and some unforgettable riding. Participants will be treated to an unparalleled cycling experience along with the immense satisfaction of supporting kids in need.

Riders will stay at the RACV resort at Cape Schanck, and will receive all the benefits of a fully supported ride including mechanical support and logistics managers.

Click here to view further details on the ride and how to get involved.

We look forward to this fantastic event and to many more women's rides in the future.

August 2013 - Simon Gerrans Signed TDF Jersey Winner Announced

Chain Reaction is pleased to announce that Billy Tsikrikas of Bexley in NSW is the winner of our Simon Gerrans signed Tour De France race jersey competition.

Our Facebook competition attracted entries from over 300 people and, after drawing from a hat, Billy was our lucky winner.

Thank you to all who entered and thank you to Simon Gerrans for providing such a fantastic prize.

Congratulations Billy, we hope you enjoy your prize.

July 2013 - Win Simon Gerrans' TDF Race Jersey and Number - Signed by the man himself!

Tour de France stage winner, yellow jersey recipient and Chain Reaction Ambassador, Simon Gerrans, has given us something very special to give away to one lucky person!

This year’s Tour de France has seen the Orica GreenEDGE team take their competitiveness to a new level. Simon Gerrans’ win on Stage 3 was a truly amazing feat, especially considering he edged out one of the world’s best sprinters in Peter Sagan. The victory was also the first Tour de France stage win for the Orica GreenEDGE team, coming about in only their second appearance at the event, and is a milestone in Australian sporting history.

But the stage win was only the tip of the iceberg, with Simon and his teammates then winning the Stage 4 team time trial, and in doing so, putting Simon into the coveted yellow jersey, being only the sixth Australian to wear it in the event’s 100 year history. Simon would wear the jersey for two days before showing the ultimate in sportsmanship, choosing to hand it over to teammate, Daryl Impey.

Gerro is the ultimate gentleman – a highly respected and admired rider amongst the bunch, and now, you have the opportunity to win his genuine race jersey and race number, personally signed during the Tour de France this year. Chain Reaction is Simon’s charity partner of choice and he has been very kind in providing us with such an amazing prize.

Chain Reaction is Australia’s ultimate corporate bike challenge and raises money for sick children by challenging keen cyclists to ride a 1,000 kilometre course in 7 days. Since inception in 2007, Chain Reaction has raised $9.8 million for children in need, by challenging keen cyclists to take on a cycling event with a difference - to make a difference. It’s not a mass-participation event, nor is it for the faint hearted, but if you’re looking for a cycling challenge with a purpose and have what it takes, then register to be selected to take on the Challenge!

So what do you need to do to win this priceless item? Simply like the ‘Chain Reaction Challenge Foundation’ page on Facebook and then share this story on your page. One lucky winner will be drawn on Wednesday 31 July 2013, so make sure you are in the draw to win a piece of Australia Cycling History!

* To be eligible you must be an Australian resident. Entries close 11.59pm, Tuesday 30 July 2013.

Chain Reaction is delighted to announce the final charity recipients and their funding allocation from the 2013 rides across Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales.

As a result of fundraising across all three rides, Chain Reaction proudly donated $1,640,000 to our children’s charity partners this year.

The donation amounts and the charity recipients for each of the three rides are summarised below:

VICTORIA Royal Children’s Hospital PIPER Ambulance Service - $250,000To purchase a new, purpose-built, ambulance that will address specialised emergency transport needs for Victoria’s sickest babies and children.Starlight Children’s Foundation - $250,000To once again run the Starlight Express Room at the Monash Children’s Hospital for 12 months and grant life changing wishes to Starlight children.Smiling Mind - $30,000To help provide intervention programs designed to bring balance to the lives of young people in need. Children’s Protection Society - $25,000To help provide early intervention and effective support to Victoria’s most vulnerable children.Learning for Life - $25,000To help provide intensive, early intervention programs to pre-school children with an autism spectrum disorder. Freedom Wheels - $20,000Run the Freedom Wheels program which custom builds bikes for children with disabilities so that they can enjoy the independence, mobility and a new found sense of pride by riding a bike.NICK Foundation - $10,000To assist in providing programs to help young people deal with personal issues and reduce youth suicide rates.

NEW SOUTH WALES Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute - $385,000To fund a multi-disciplinary program for research into congenital heart disease and the role genes play in this disease to help find a cure. HeartKids - $30,000To help provide ongoing support to families of children with congenital heart disease.Inspire – $30,000To help provide services which aim to improve young people’s mental health and reduce youth suicide.

QUEENSLAND AEIOU Foundation for Children with Autism - $212,500To help fund the capital construction of a new AEIOU Gold Coast Centre that will provide unprecedented care and support for between 30 and 40 children.Royal Children’s Hospital Brisbane (Children’s Health Foundation) - $212,500To purchase an Echo Cardiograph machine to take high quality images of children’s hearts to identify and help treat cardiac problems in young children.

NATIONALJuvenile Diabetes Research Foundation - $60,000To help fund research programs into finding the cure for Type 1 diabetes in young children.Aunties & Uncles Queensland - $50,000To help run an early intervention and prevention program targeting vulnerable and disadvantaged children aged 1-12 years.Redkite - $50,000To provide essential support services for children with cancer.

Thank you to everyone for their amazing efforts and helping make 2013 such a fantastic year. We now look forward to our 2014 events across Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland and hope that we can only continue to better our fundraising efforts.

Last week, Chain Reaction’s Queensland riders completed nearly 1100km in seven days in the third event for our sunshine state riders since 2011. Participants faced certainly their toughest route so far, with riders conquering some extreme hills as they passed through the ‘border country’ of southern Queensland and northern New South Wales.

The course commenced with a Broadbeach loop on day one, followed by a roll from there to Ballina on day two. It was on day three that the ride really started to get tough as riders headed to Casino. Over the following days, the route took the bunch through Warwick, Toowoomba and Maleny on their way back to Brisbane where the finish line awaited. All in all, riders completed a distance of 1095km, climbed 11,375m and were on the bike for over 42 hours. All in seven days. What an effort.

But the seven days of gruelling riding, not to mention the inclement weather, was all in the name of raising money for our two very worthy major charity partners, AEIOU Foundation and the Children’s Health Foundation. As of 21 May, Chain Reaction’s 41 Queensland riders had raised over $780,000 to fund a new, purpose built, centre on the Gold Coast for autistic children for AEIOU Foundation, and also purchase an Echo Cardiograph machine for the Royal Children’s Hospital in Brisbane.

Photos from the week will be available soon on our website, however, in the meantime, a selection can be viewed on our Facebook page. The daily blog and videos are also available on the website by clicking here.

Despite the epic hills, the rain and cold weather, it certainly was an awesome week. Rider’s legs and minds were tested, but it definitely makes that finish line so much more fulfilling for all involved. But a special mention must go to our wonderful support crew, who certainly made sure our riders actually made it to the finish line. Be it a nightly massage, a quick bike repair, or even just ensuring riders were kept out of harm’s way on the roads, the support crew are an essential part of Chain Reaction and their immense efforts are hugely appreciated.

Everyone on tour had what can only be described as a fantastic adventure, and the feedback we have received already is simply amazing. A great ride, sensational fundraising and a brilliant bunch of people made the week nothing short of a huge success.

Congratulations to all riders and support crew on a wonderful week.

May 2013 - New South Wales Challenge raises over $715,000

Chain Reaction’s second event for the year was held last week, with riders of the New South Wales Challenge taking on a huge course all in the name of raising much needed funds for the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute.

Not to be outdone by their Victorian counterparts, 29 NSW riders tackled a supremely challenging course of no less than 1,177km through Victoria’s High Country, over the Snowy Mountains and via Australia’s highest town, Cabramurra, down through Canberra and Bowral before finishing in Sydney. Not only was it one of the longest courses ever in a Chain Reaction Challenge, but riders also climbed almost 13,000m in the process, spending over 44 hours in the saddle. Massive!

But the seven days of exhausting work, riding through all sorts of weather conditions, was all in the name of raising money for a very worthy charity partner, the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute (VCCRI). By event completion, Chain Reaction’s 29 riders had raised over $715,000 to fund a critical research project to help find a cure for congenital heart disease – the most common birth defect in newborn babies.

Images from the week will be available soon on our website, however, in the meantime, a selection can be viewed on our Facebook page. The daily blog and videos are also available on the website by clicking here.

Despite the gruelling work, the rain and near freezing starts, it was quite simply an epic week. All riders had what can only be described as a brilliant time and we have already had a number of people say they’ll be back next year – the best feedback of all. This combined with the outstanding fundraising effort makes the week nothing short of an enormous success.

Congratulations to all riders and our fantastic support crew.

March 2013 - Victorian Challenge complete and over $920,000 raised

Last week, the first event of the 2013 Chain Reaction calendar was held in Victoria, with 42 riders conquering what is arguably the toughest event the Foundation has ever hosted.

Not only were riders required to master the 1000km in seven days course, as is the case with all Chain Reaction rides, but they also had to conquer the immense challenge of scaling Mt Buffalo, Mt Hotham, Falls Creek, Falls Creek East, Mt Buller, Lake Mountain and Mt Donna Buang in successive days. For your average weekend warrior aged between 35 and 60, it was clearly no average bike ride.

But seven days of gruelling work, and not to mention the four months of training prior, was all in the name of raising money for two very worthy children’s charities, the Starlight Children’s Foundation and the Royal Children’s Hospital’s PIPER ambulance service. By event completion, Chain Reaction’s 42 riders had raised over $920,000 to fund the Starlight Express Room and Captain's Ward Visitation Program at the Monash Children's Hospital, and also the purchase of a brand new, purpose built ambulance for critically ill babies and children.

Images from the week will be available soon via the website, however, in the meantime, a selection can be viewed on our Facebook page. The daily blog and videos are also available on the website by clicking here.

It was, simply put, a brilliant event and all riders, whilst being battered on the bike, agreed that it was an incredibly rewarding experience made all the better by the fantastic fundraising effort by all.

We now look forward to hosting our New South Wales ride, starting on 27 April 2013, followed by our Queensland ride, starting on 11 May 2013.

January 2013 - Phil Liggett Shows Adelaide What Chain Reaction Is All About

On Friday 25 January 2013, Chain Reaction took its first steps into the Adelaide charity bike ride market, as special guests Phil Liggett, Paul Sherwen and Mike Tomalaris joined the Adelaide business community at an exclusive Chain Reaction cocktail party.

With the goal of launching its first South Australian based ride in November 2013, Chain Reaction was eager to take advantage of the excitement created by the 2013 Tour Down Under to showcase Chain Reaction to the Adelaide business community.

Over 100 prominent business people were in attendance at the Crowne Plaza in Adelaide as CEO, John Ward, and Chairman and Founder, Berrick Wilson, told the Chain Reaction story and explained why it is the charity bike ride of choice in the business community.

The true highlight of the evening was the fantastic Q&A session, with Mike Tomalaris asking Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwen all the pressing questions in the world of pro cycling, including the mandatory question about Lance Armstrong.

The event was a huge success for Chain Reaction, but now the task shifts to recruiting major team sponsors and ensuring that the November ride is as successful as it can possibly be.

The evening was generously hosted by James Hines from the Hines Property Group.

Phil was also kind enough to go for a quick cycle with a group of Chain Reaction riders around Adelaide on the Friday morning.

January 2013 - More Ways to Stay Connected with Chain Reaction

We are pleased to announce that Chain Reaction's Facebook page is now online and ready for you to view. Containing all of the best and most recent information on what's happening at Chain Reaction, our Facebook page contains news stories, photos, videos, regular updates and information on what our charity partners are up to.

The Facebook page is a fantastic resource for all riders, alumni, families and anyone else that is interested in what we do. The best part is, you don't need to be a registered user of facebook to be able to take advantage of the page. Just simply click the link below and all content is there for you to view. If you're a non-Facebook user and do decide to sign up, you can "Like" the Chain Reaction page so any new updates are automatically fed to your Facebook account. How easy is that! Of course, if you're still a little tentative, get the kids (or grand kids for some of us) to show you how! It really is simple.

Chain Reaction is also very active on Twitter and, newly, Instagram also, so make sure you follow us on these social media platforms too. On Twitter, follow us at ChainReactionV and on Instagram at chainreactionau.

If you have any content you'd potentially like to post on any Chain Reaction social media platform, please contact Andrew Drucker, Marketing Manager, at andrew@chain-reaction.org.au

The Chain Reaction Industry Leaders Event was held at the Westfield office in Sydney on Wednesday 30 January, with over 60 people in attendance. The select group of guests heard from Westfield CEO, Steven Lowy AM and Chain Reaction Chairman and Founder, Berrick Wilson, before hearing from special guest Simon Mottram, Founder and CEO of luxury cycling clothing and accessories house, Rapha.

Simon spoke to the audience, a mixture of Chain Reaction riders and sponsors, about building a successful brand and what it takes to create something truly unique in a world dominated by the ‘big’ brands.

Simon created Rapha in 2004 and since its launch, has executed its branding principles with flawless panache. Rapha has evolved into a vibrant emporium for road riders and in 2011 was named one of the 50 fastest growing companies in the United Kingdom. Further, in 2013 Rapha was announced as the new clothing partner of the number one cycling team worldwide, Sky, where current Tour De France champion Bradley Wiggins is the marquee rider.

In a first for Chain Reaction, all rider uniforms in 2013 have been custom made and supplied by Rapha. It is abundantly clear from rider feedback that they are ecstatic to have their training uniform supplied by Rapha, and are certainly making a lasting impression in the peloton, one which is the envy of many riders.Chain Reaction is thrilled that Simon was able to present at the lunch, especially given his extremely short visit to Australia, and look forward to a long relationship with Rapha.

December 2012 - Simon Gerrans Training Camp a Huge Success

The first weekend of December saw a group of 20 Chain Reaction participants treated to a fantastic weekend of riding with Australian road race champion and GreenEDGE rider, Simon Gerrans.

Graciously, Simon took Chain Reaction participants on two rides over the course of the weekend, exhibiting some of the beautiful countryside of his local area.The Saturday ride, an undulating loop of approximately 75 kilometres, took riders on a return trip from Mansfield to Jamieson along some stunning country roads.That evening, riders congregated at the Mansfield Produce Store where they were not only treated to an excellent dinner, but also a brilliant account of Simon’s tour year in 2012 and his objectives for 2013.Engrossed in Simon’s tales of the pro tour, especially the detailed narrative of his Milan-San Remo win, Chain Reaction riders could have sat and listened for hours if it wasn’t for the imminent challenge of the next day’s riding task.

Riders opened their hotel room blinds on the Sunday morning to gorgeous sunshine and the prospect of a great, but tough, day’s riding.The task for the day was to conquer the famous Mount Buller climb, with riders rolling from the base in Mansfield to the top and back.A consistent, but undulating, 30 kilometre roll took riders to the base where everyone settled in and made their way up to the summit.Whilst the peloton split up somewhat over the course of the climb, all riders were showing some quality early season form; an encouraging sign at this stage of the year.With absolutely sensational conditions, it was hard not enjoy the ride, even if the climb did inflict some pain in the legs.An easy, controlled decent, followed by a classic roll along some the same great country roads returned riders to Mansfield where they packed up and made their way back to Melbourne.

All in all, it was a simply magnificent weekend.Quality riding, excellent company and the thrill of riding with one of Australia’s best cyclists and all round great guy, Simon Gerrans.What could be better?But it’s important not to forget the significance of the camp as preparation for the Chain Reaction 7 Peaks challenge that looms in March.For many, it was their first significant riding weekend for some time and as we approach Chain Reaction Challenge Victoria 2013 the benefit of this weekend will certainly show.

Be sure to check out all the photos in the gallery section of the Chain Reaction website.

On Monday 3 December 2012, Chain Reaction Challenge Chairman and Founder, Berrick Wilson and New South Wales Organising Committee Chairman Mark Ryan, were bestowed with special awards by the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute (VCCRI).

Berrick was instated as a Life Governor of the Institute in recognition of the fundraising and charitable contribution Chain Reaction has made. This is a wonderful recognition of Berrick’s vision and contribution to the philanthropic sector through the creation and development of the Chain Reaction Challenge Foundation. As a result of the 2012 ride and the sensational fundraising effort by New South Wales riders, Chain Reaction was able to donate over $740,000 to the VCCRI.

In 2013, the VCCRI is again a major charity partner for the New South Wales ride as Chain Reaction looks to continue its support of this very worthy charity.

Mark Ryan was also welcomed by the VCCRI as an official Ambassador. The Ambassador Award was presented to Mark in recognition of the generous support he has provided to the VCCRI over a number of years.

As further confirmation of this wonderful achievement, one only needs to look at the other recipients of the Life Governor and Ambassador Awards (link below). It is clear that Berrick and Mark are certainly in esteemed company indeed.

Over 130 people were in attendance on Tuesday 20 November at Il Centro in Brisbane, as the Chain Reaction Challenge Queensland 2013 was formally launched with a little help from guest speaker, SBS cycling commentating legend, Mike Tomalaris.

As team sponsors and supporters, as well as future Chain Reaction enthusiasts, gathered for what can only be described as a feast put on by one of Brisbane’s best restaurants, Mike Tomalaris provided some brilliant insights into the world of cycling and the current struggles the sport is seeing after the fallout from the Lance Armstrong debacle.

The lunch was also an opportunity for Chain Reaction Challenge Queensland 2012 team sponsors to be presented with a framed jersey as a token of appreciation for their support.

All-in-all, the event was a tremendous way to launch the 2013 challenge and we look forward to a brilliant ride for the Brisbane and Gold Coast business community next year.

The Chain Reaction team finished a creditable 8th out of 21 teams (4 hours 14 minutes) in the Sydney Rapha Gentlemen’s Race held in the Southern Highlands on Saturday.

Five male CR riders – Charles Moore, Phil Tanner, Mark Davison, Tyson Gunderson and Mark Ryan - were supported by guest pro rider Carlee Taylor from Adelaide. Carlee proved a valuable addition to the team, especially given the hilly course around Berrima and Carlee’s undoubted expertise as an accomplished climber. Carlee, who finished 3rd overall in the female Tour de France, is already a solid friend of Chain Reaction and is preparing for the national road championships in January before heading to take up a position with the Belgian professional team Lotto-Belisol in 2013.

The Gentleman’s Race served as a launch pad in Sydney for the new Rapha Chain Reaction kit which has already drawn praise from CR riders for its quality and clean design.

The race itself was a change of pace for most riders, as it included extended sections of gravel roads and a seemingly endless series of sharp, punchy climbs. The course design was superb, taking riders through some of the most scenic countryside in Australia, and in typical Rapha style the organisation of the race was imbued with the spirit of amateur racing, executed with style and precision.

Chain Reaction’s Sydney bike store Velosophy also entered a team which performed exceptionally well to finish a close third overall.

Congratulations are due to Rapha’s Andy Pike who planned and oversaw this terrific event.

Chain Reaction is delighted to announce the final charity recipients and their funding allocation from proceeds of the 2012 rides.

As a result of fundraising across all three rides in 2012, Chain Reaction proudly donated $2,056,000 to our children’s charity partners.

The donation amounts and the charity recipients for each of the three rides are summarised in the following table:

VICTORIA

Starlight Children’s Foundation - $300,000To run the Starlight Express Room at the Monash Children’s Hospital for 12 months and grant life changing wishes to Starlight children.

Eastern Health Foundation - $240,000To run the entire BREATHE program, providing babies and children with the highest level of life saving emergency resuscitation equipment at the Box Hill, Maroondah and Angliss hospitals.Cerebral Palsy Education Centre - $30,000To assist with the purchase of equipment and teaching aids for children with cerebral palsy.

Aunties & Uncles (Queensland) - $20,000To help run an early intervention and prevention program targeting vulnerable and disadvantaged children aged 1-12 years.

Children’s Protection Society - $30,000To help provide early intervention and effective support to Victoria’s most vulnerable children.

Freedom Wheels - $30,000Run the Freedom Wheels program which custom builds bikes for children with disabilities so that they can enjoy the independence, mobility and a new found sense of pride by riding a bike.

E.motion21 - $30,000To help run dance and fitness programs for children with Down Syndrome.

Cystic Fibrosis NSW - $20,000To assist with the provision of high quality health and welfare services for children with cystic fibrosis.

NEW SOUTH WALES

Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute - $740,000To purchase a microscope that will be used by researchers to help identify the cause of Congenital Heart Disease in newborn children.

Royal Children’s Hospital - $250,000To purchase an Endobroncial Ultrasound Machine to be used for the diagnosis and ongoing monitoring of children with severe respiratory diseases such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, bronchitis and pneumonia.

Aunties & Uncles (Queensland) - $44,400To help run an early intervention and prevention program targeting vulnerable and disadvantaged children aged 1-12 years.

AEIOU - $34,800To provide educational services and support programs for children with autism.

Aid for the Blind - $23,200To provide educational tools for children with vision impairment.

Redkite - $11,600To provide essential support services for children with cancer.

Thank you to everyone for their efforts and helping make 2012 such a fantastic year.We now look forward to our 2013 events across Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland and hope that we can only continue to better our fundraising efforts.

The Chain Reaction Challenge is proud to announce the dates and courses for the 2013 rides across Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.All rides next year will take in some of Australia’s most scenic countryside and will, as always, test the mental strength and fitness of all riders.

VictoriaDubbed 7 Peaks in 7 Days, the Chain Reaction Challenge Victoria will be the most challenging ride yet.Riders will tackle the mountain climbs of Mount Buffalo, Mount Hotham, Falls Creek, Dinner Plain, Mount Buller, Lake Mountain and Mount Donna Buang in successive days.All in all, riders will be scaling over 13,000 vertical metres of climbing – almost 5000 more than the previous year.The ride will start from Bright on Saturday 9 March, and will be based there for the first two nights.Over the journey, riders will visit Milawa, Mansfield, Marysville and Healesville before returning to Melbourne on Friday 15 March.

New South WalesRiders from Sydney certainly won’t be spared in 2013 either as riders tackle a challenging 1,100km route from Melbourne to Sydney via the Victorian High Country and Snowy Mountains.The ride will depart Melbourne on Friday 27 April and arrive in Sydney on Friday 3 May.On the journey, Chain Reaction riders will take in some spectacular countryside as they visit towns such as Milawa, Beechworth, Corryong, Cabramurra, Adaminaby, Cooma, Goulburn and Moss Vale.

QueenslandJust to ensure that no state gets it too easy, Chain Reaction riders in the sunshine state will also be confronted with a challenging course.Riders will venture through south-east Queensland countryside, travelling 1,100km and climbing almost 9,000 vertical metres over the course of their journey.Whilst the terrain might be difficult, the beautiful scenery should somewhat ease the pain with riders travelling through towns such as Kilcoy, Toowoomba, Stanthorpe, Casino and Byron Bay.The ride will commence from the Sunshine Coast on Saturday 11 May and will finish on the Gold Coast on Friday 17 May 2013.

Getting InvolvedIf you would like to get involved in Chain Reaction 2013, please contact Sarah Richardson on 03 8623 3467 or sarah@chain-reaction.org.au who will be able to provide you with an expression of interest form for you to complete.

August 2012 - All Systems Go at Chain Reaction

It’s certainly been a busy few weeks at Chain Reaction with the committee’s in each state working to finalise the dates and routes for the 2013 rides in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.Each ride is shaping up as being simply brilliant and in the coming weeks we will be able to provide the final detail for each Chain Reaction Challenge in 2013.

In the past couple of weeks, John Ward has also been joined by two new recruits in the Chain Reaction office.Andrew Drucker, Chain Reaction’s new Marketing Manager, has come over to the foundation with wide ranging marketing and communications experience across many different sectors.He is a super-keen cyclist and is already looking forward to getting out there and meeting everyone on the training rides.

Chain Reaction also has a new Events Manager, Sarah Richardson, who will be looking after much of the day-to-day management of the rides and related logistics.Sarah is also an avid cyclist, coming across from Drapac Professional Cycling with a wealth of event management experience.

In other news, the Chain Reaction commemorative books for the 2012 Queensland and Victorian rides are almost complete and will be available shortly.For New South Wales riders, the 2012 commemorative book is already complete and available in our online store.Jump on and get a piece of the 2012 action!

May 2012 - QLD ride raises more than $900,000

This years Chain Reaction Queensland Challenge, which took place in early May (in perfect weather), saw 44 cyclists ride 1000 kilometres from Rockhampton to Brisbane in 6 days.

The ride passed through iconic Queensland holiday destinations such as Yeppoon, 1770, Hervey Bay & Noosa before arriving in Brisbane to a warm welcome from a large gathering of family and friends. When the riders arrived in Bargara they were reminded of why they are doing the ride by Kerri-Ann and Dwayne who along with their 10 month old son Macca joined the riders for dinner. Kerri-Ann bravely shared Macca's story with all the riders and it reminded them that all the pain and suffering that they will endure on the bike is nothing compared to what Macca's and other children like him have to endure on a daily basis.

This was the second running of the Queensland Chain Reaction Challenge and at the end of the ride over 220 people attended the Gala Dinner at the Hilton Hotel to celebrate another successful week.

Through the generous support of our corporate supporters and personal donors, the 2012 Chain Reaction Queensland Challenge raised over $900,000 for its charity partners. These funds will be shared between our major charity partners, the Starlight Children's Foundation and the Brisbane Royal Childrens Hospital as well as a number of other smaller childrens charities. Both major charity partners are exceptionally worthy causes with the Starlight Childrens Foundation delivering innovative programs that restore the fun, laughter and joy to children that serious illness takes away. The Royal Children's Hospital will use funds raised from Chain Reaction 2012 to purchase an Endobroncial Ultrasound Machine which will be used for the diagnosis and ongoing monitoring of children with severe respiratory diseases such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, bronchitis and pneumonia.

April 2012 - NSW ride raises more than $1 million.

The inaugural NSW Chain Reaction Challenge was held in the last week of March and saw 30 cyclists make the 1200km journey from Coolangatta in Queensland to the Art Gallery of NSW in Sydney, taking in some of the most picturesque hinterland and beaches northern NSW has to offer.

Through the generous support of corporate sponsors and personal donations, the 2012 NSW Chain Reaction Challenge raised over $1 million for its charity partner the Victor Chang Cardiac Research institute.

The Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute was established in 1994 and now employs more than 130 full-time scientific staff who conduct research into the prevention of heart disease. Heart defects are the most common form of birth defect in newborn babies. Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) is one of the most common forms of birth defect in newborn babies with the more severe cases requiring repeated surgery. The Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute has established a multi-disciplinary research program into CHD and conducts world-leading research into the role genes play in this disease.

The Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute is an exceptionally worthy cause and will use the money raised by Chain Reaction to establish a Bioinformatics Division and to purchase an Optical Projection Tomography Microscope that will assist in their research into the causes of Congenital Heart Disease.

March 2012 - Over $940,000 raised from the Victorian Ride

This year's Chain Reaction Victorian Challenge, which took place last week, saw 44 cyclists ride more than 1,100 kilometres around regional Victoria in 7 days. The ride started in Melbourne and travelled through towns such as Ballarat, Nagambie, Milawa, Mt Buller and Trawool before finishing at the Melbourne Town Hall.

On the Mt Buller day, the Chain Reaction riders were joined by over 60 days riders for the challenging and picturesque 16 kilometre climb up Mt Buller. Following the completion of this ride over 140 guests attended a Gala Dinner at the Mt Buller Chalet where guest heard stories from inside the peloton while Chain Reaction rider Troy Upfield shared his daughter Lily’s story with us all.

Through the generous support of our corporate supporters and personal donors, the 2012 Chain Reaction Victorian Challenge raised over $940,000 for its charity partners. These funds will be shared between our major charity partners, the Starlight Children's Foundation and Eastern Health and a number of other smaller children’s charities. Both major charity partners are exceptionally worthy causes with the Starlight Children’s Foundation delivering innovative programs that restore the fun, laughter and joy to children that serious illness takes away while Eastern Health will fund their BREATHE project which provides babies and children with the highest level of life saving emergency resuscitation equipment at the Box Hill, Maroondah and Angliss hospitals.

February 2012 - Velosophy hosts NSW riders

Chain Reaction NSW riders turned up in force last night for a theory session hosted by the NSW ride's dedicated bike shop - Velosophy - in the Entertainment Quarter at Moore Park.

Velosophy is supporting the NSW event in many ways, including providing its van and staff for the ride as well as a range of coaching, bike fit and maintenance services during the training period.

The store’s founder and director Chris Wright hosted the evening and gave a quick overview of bunch riding skills, safety, maintenance and etiquette on the road. The theory will be put into practice this Saturday when Chris conducts a skills session during the first compulsory training ride for the year.

Thanks to Chris and his team at Velosophy for their generous and enthusiastic support of Chain Reaction. Thanks also to stand-in photographer Bruce Phillips.

January 2012 - Phil Liggett rides with Chain Reaction riders at the TDU

Chain Reaction riders from around Australia hit Adelaide for the TDU and in between watching the pros and visiting the wineries managed to squeeze in a two-hour ride with world cycling legend and Chain Reaction Patron Phil Liggett.

Despite his heavy schedule of commitments at the Tour Phil was generous with his time, getting to know the CR bunch, posing for endless photos and offering whatever support he can to make sure Chain Reaction maintains its reputation as Australia’s “ultimate corporate cycling challenge.”

Chain Reaction CEO John Ward said the organisation was privileged to have the support of such a distinguished cycling figure.

“Phil’s profile and his credibility in the cycling world are wonderful assets for Chain Reaction,” he said. “He is known around the world not just as the Voice of Cycling but also for his tireless work for good causes and we’re lucky that Chain Reaction is one of those he has agreed to help.”

Phil told the CR riders he was keen to help in any way possible, including possibly participating in future Chain Reaction events.

“Chain Reaction is a perfect example of how cycling is harnessing its popularity to help our communities,” he said. “I wish everyone involved the best for the hard training coming up, and for the events as well.”

John Ward said Chain Reaction scored a fantastic double at the Tour, catching up with Phil Liggett and watching Chain Reaction ambassador Simon Gerrans take out the Ochre Jersey.

“Simon has been a generous supporter of our cause, most recently hosting a training weekend for us at Mt Buller.

“All of us at Chain Reaction extend our warmest congratulations to Simon and the rest of the Green Edge team and wish them all the best for the season ahead.”

Chain Reaction is grateful to Phil, and to his regular riding mates in Adelaide from the Bocelli La Squadra bunch, for their hospitality and for introducing them to Adelaide’s finest coffee at Bocelli’s in Hutt Street.

December 2011 - Sports Physiology Testing for Chain Reaction Riders

A total of 30 Victorian Chain Reaction riders have participated in physiological testing and sports science assessments offered by Deakin University through their partnership with major Chain Reaction charity partner - Eastern Health Foundation.

The riders participated in testing with individual assessments of key physiological variables such as VO2max, anaerobic threshold, maximum heart rate, peak power and efficiency, and body mass index.

By defining these parameters, each rider was provided information on their current physical health status and performance capabilities. The data will identify optimum training zones, pedalling action efficiency and provides insights into areas to improve performance.

Sport performance testing is not readily available to the general public, so the riders were eager to participate in individual assessments, reserved only for those at the elite level of sport.

Overseen by Dr Paul Gastin from Deakin’s School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, the assessment was designed to assist individuals participate in the Victorian Chain Reaction Challenge in March 2012. The results will enable each rider to increase the impact of training, aid recovery and enhance awareness of training science.

Testing will be repeated prior to the Chain Reaction ride and in the week following the conclusion of the ride to determine physical health, levels of improvement and responses to the 7 day cycling challenge.

November 2011 - Simon Gerrans conducts Chain Reaction training camp

Twenty six Chain Reaction riders headed to Mansfield in country Victoria for weekend to ride with six times Tour de France rider Simon Gerrans. Simon is one of Australia’s most successful professional cyclists and in 2009 joined an exclusive club by becoming the first Australian to win stages in all three Grand Tours (France, Italy and Spain).

Despite the forecast of thunderstorms and strong winds for the two days of the training camp, riders were able to enjoy two training rides around Mansfield with Simon. On the Saturday, the group headed out for a leisurely loop around Mansfield with Simon setting a good tempo at the front and the rest of the peloton rotating so that everyone had the opportunity to ride next to him. For the statistically minded this ride was 58 kilometres at an average speed of 31.3 km/h and 416 metres climbed.

Dinner on Saturday night was at Mansfield’s Produce Store which was a great place to relax and enjoy the local produce. After dinner, Simon provided an overview of his 2011 season including his win in the six day Tour of Denmark. Simon also spoke about his reasons for joining GreenEDGE cycling and what that means for him and Australian cycling in general.

On Sunday riders gathered at 8am for the ride to the summit of Mt Buller. Despite the low clouds the peloton set off looking forward to the challenge ahead. At the base of Mt Buller the peloton split into a slow and a fast group for the 16 kilometre climb to the top. Simon Gerrans’ record of 39 minutes was not challenged however all riders were happy with their form so early in the training program. Once at the top of the mountain the sun started to shine and everyone enjoyed a well earned coffee. After safely negotiating the descent the peloton made its way back to Mansfield to complete a 95 kilometre ride that included 1641 metres of climbing.

Thank you to Simon Gerrans for so generously giving of his time over the weekend and giving all present the opportunity to ride with a Tour de France rider.

November 2011 - Robbie McEwen talks at the launch of the 2012 Chain Reaction Queensland Challenge

Over 130 guests gathered at Brisbane’s Il Centro restaurant for the launch of the 2012 Chain Reaction Queensland Challenge which will see 40 cyclists ride over 1,000 kilometres from Rockhampton to Brisbane in May 2012.

Guests were entertained by three time Tour de France green jersey winner Robbie McEwen and two time Rugby World Cup winning Wallaby Tim Horan.

Robbie McEwen entertained guest with stories from his time riding in Europe and revealed some of the ‘tricks’ required to win races. Robbie also updated the audience on GreenEDGE cycling and his hopes for the team and the role that he will be playing.

Tim shared his thoughts on the Wallabies performance at the Rugby World Cup earlier this year and also spoke about his personal involvement Aunties and Uncles, a charity that Chain Reaction has supported in the past.

Georgina Lewis from Network 10 controlled proceedings perfectly and managed to control the enthusiasm of the audience. The day was rounded out with an auction for a lunch at Il Centro with Robbie McEwen and then Robbie generously signed copies of his recently launched book ‘One Way Road’ and donated the proceeds to Chain Reaction.

September 2011 - Phil Liggett appointed patron of Chain Reaction NSW

Phil Liggett, who is universally revered as the voice of cycling, has accepted the role of Patron of Chain Reaction’s inaugural ride in NSW which will be held in March 2012.

A Message from Phil Liggett

It is my great pleasure to accept the role of Patron of the 2012 NSW Chain Reaction Ride – the ultimate corporate cycling challenge in Australia.

Cycling is one of the great unifying, mass-participation sports in the world. It is enjoyed by toddlers out for their first wobbly ride, by weekend warriors, all the way through to the legends of the professional peloton.

But beyond the sheer pleasure that cycling brings to all of us on a personal level it also has the potential to bring communities together for the common good. Chain Reaction is one of the more outstanding examples of this in action.

From one man’s near-tragic experience with his newborn child six years ago was born an event that challenges some of Australia’s most senior corporate executives in the two ways. Firstly, to commit to and train hard for what will probably be the most physically demanding event of their lives. And secondly, to use their initiative and their networks to raise funds for a worthy cause – in this case, for research by the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute into Congenital Heart Disease which afflicts so many young Australians and their families.

I have offered to help the 2012 Chain Reaction team in any way I can – by spreading the word about the ride, by offering encouragement to riders and potential sponsors through regular messages of support posted on the Chain Reaction website to joining in a training session or two with the riders when I’m Down Under.

I am honoured to be associated with Chain Reaction and with the Victor Chang Institute and I look forward to my involvement with this great event in support of a great cause.

August 2011 - Kieran Perkins joins riders to celebrate the success of the Queensland ride

Olympic champion Kieran Perkins joined riders and support crew from this year’s Chain Reaction Queensland Challenge to celebrate its success. This year’s 1,000 kilometre ride from Forster on the NSW central coast to Brisbane in May raised over $605,000 for Brisbane’s Royal Children’s Hospital and the Starlight Children’s Foundation.

The Royal Children’s Hospital will use the funds provided to purchase 3 cardiac monitors for its Children’s Cancer Centre and an OCT Ultrasound Machine it’s Children’s Eye Clinic while the Starlight Children’s Foundation will use the funds provided to help run the Starlight Express Room at the Mater Children’s Hospital.

Kieran, who is a Starlight Children’s Foundation Ambassador, entertained guests with stories from his swimming career with a particular focus on the hard work and mental preparation that was required to win two Olympic gold medals. Kieran generously said that he was inspired by the Chain Reaction riders who manage to balance training, work and family commitments.

In addition, Dr Brendan Cronin from the Royal Children’s Hospital Eye Clinic gave all present an informative talk on the benefits of the OCT Ultrasound Machine and the difference that it will make in the early diagnosis and treatment of many of the conditions that effect children’s eyes.

The night was hosted by the Royal Children’s Hospital and provided riders and support crew the opportunity to re-live their journey from Forster to Brisbane and talk about how much fitter they will be for next year’s ride.

June 2011 - Simon Gerrans Appointed a Chain Reaction Ambassador

Chain Reaction, the ultimate corporate bike challenge, is pleased to announce that Tour de France cyclist Simon Gerrans has accepted an invitation to be a Chain Reaction ambassador.

Held each year, the Chain Reaction rides raise money for sick children by challenging senior executives who have a passion for cycling and an awareness of their corporate social responsibilities to ride 1,000 kilometres in seven days.

In making the announcement Chain Reaction CEO John Ward said, "Chain Reaction is extremely selective as to whom it appoints as an ambassador and Simon’s work ethic and dedication to his profession and his desire to give back to the community typifies what Chain Reaction looks for."

Since its first ride in 2007, Chain Reaction has raised over $4.4 million for its children’s charity partners.

In 2011 Chain Reaction conducted two charity ride bike rides; the first from Sydney to Melbourne for the Victorian business community which raised more than $1 million and the second from Forster on the NSW central coast to Brisbane for the Queensland business community which raised over $600,000. This year’s charity partners were the Starlight Children’s Foundation, Brisbane’s Royal Children’s Hospital and the Monash Children’s Hospital.

In 2012 Chain Reaction will conduct three charity rides for the Victorian, Queensland and New South Wales business communities.

In the final preparations for his sixth appearance in the Tour de France, Gerrans said in accepting the invitation to be a Chain Reaction ambassador, he hoped to help raise the profile and fundraising of the rides by assisting with a number of activities when he is back in Australia during his off-season.

“I’m excited about aligning myself with a group of passionate business people who support some fantastic children’s charities. In addition to helping Chain Reaction raise more money I hope my involvement will make the Chain Reaction rides more enjoyable and maybe even a little faster”.

Simon Gerrans is one of the classiest riders in the professional peloton and in 2009 he joined an exclusive cycling club by becoming the first Australian to win stages in all three Grand Tours (France, Italy and Spain). He represented Australia in the 2008 Beijing Olympics and currently rides for the British Team Sky.

The inaugural Chain Reaction Queensland Challenge, which took place from 8 -13 May, saw 37 cyclists ride 1,000 kilometres between Forster on the NSW central coast and Brisbane. The route took the riders up the picturesque north coast of NSW passing through towns such as Coffs Harbour, Yamba, Byron Bay and Broadbeach.

As a result of the generous support of our corporate supporters and personal donors, Chain Reaction has raised over $602,000 which is a fantastic result for the first year of this ride. These funds will be shared between our major charity partners, the Starlight Children's Foundation and Brisbane’s Royal Children’s Hospital and a number of other smaller children’s charities. Both major charity partners are exceptionally worthy causes with the Starlight Children’s Foundation delivering innovative programs that restore the fun, laughter and joy to children that serious illness takes away while the Royal Children’s Hospital will use the money to purchase an three cardiac monitors for its Children’s Cancer Centre.

Included within the 37 riders were two times world champion triathlete Emma Carney, 1995 Australian triathlete of the year Troy Fidler, 2004 Team Pursuit World Champion Ashley Hutchinson and Chain Reaction founder Berrick Wilson. Pleasingly all 37 riders who started the event arrived safely at Reddacliff Place in Brisbane to be welcome home by family and friends.

The riders were joined by at the start of their final day’s ride by Olympic Cycling Champion Sara Carrigan for the ascent up the gruelling Mt Tamborine which despite some extremely weary legs in the peleton, all riders managed to make it to the top before completing the final leg of the ride under police escort into the Brisbane CBD.

To celebrate the success of Chain Reactions first Queensland ride all riders and support crew were joined by family, friends and supporters at a Gala Dinner at the Hilton Hotel. Chain Reaction Ambassador Duncan Armstrong hosted the evening and once again did a fantastic job whilst Sara Carrigan was the guest speaker.

March 2011 - More than $1 million raised - Victorian Ride

This year's Chain Reaction Victorian Challenge, which took place last week, saw 44 cyclists ride more than 1,100 kilometres between Sydney and Melbourne in 6½ days. The route took the riders over the picturesque and challenging Snowy Mountains passing through towns such as Canberra, Cabramurra which is Australia’s highest town, Myrtleford and Alexandria.

This year, through the generous support of our corporate supporters and personal donors, Chain Reaction has raised over $1,035,000 which is a Chain Reaction fundraising record. These funds will be shared between our major charity partners, the Starlight Children's Foundation and the Monash Children’s Hospital and a number of other smaller children’s charities. Both major charity partners are exceptionally worthy causes with the Starlight Children’s Foundation delivering innovative programs that restore the fun, laughter and joy to children that serious illness takes away while the Monash Children’s Hospital will use the money to purchase an MRI Incubator for its Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Apart from raising in excess of $1 million, pleasingly all 44 riders who started the event arrived safely at the Melbourne Town Hall.

February 2011: Queensland Ride Launch

Chain Reaction riders and sponsors gathered at the Holding Redlich office in Brisbane for the official launch of Chain Reaction’s first Queensland Challenge. This challenge, which is to be held in May, will see 36 riders cycle 1000 kilometres in 6 days from Forster on the NSW central coast to Brisbane.

Berrick Wilson, Chain Reaction’s founder, took all present through his own moving experience that lead to the founding of Chain Reaction before John Ward, Chain Reaction’s CEO, unveiled the course for this year’s ride which he assures riders will be both picturesque and enjoyable. Troy Fidler who is responsible for training all the riders and getting them to the starting line in peak physical condition emphasised the need for proper preparation both on and off the bike.

The evening was rounded out by presentations from the rides two major charity partners, the Royal Children’s Hospital and the Starlight Children’s Foundation who both informed riders and sponsors where the funds raised will be going and the impact that this will have on lives of sick children and their families.

The evening was a great success with all riders and sponsors getting the opportunity to meet each in more relaxed surrounding than on a training ride but importantly gaining a better understanding of the difference that Chain Reaction aims to make in conjunction with its charity partners.

February 2011: Watt Bike Challenge at Monash Hospital

Last Wednesday Chain Reaction riders participated in a Watt Bike Challenge at the Monash Hospital. Watt bikes are stationary bikes and a team from Chain Reaction competed against teams from Monash Heart and Southern Health (Monash Hospital). The 10 hour challenge saw 10 riders from each team ride for 50 minutes with a 10 minute change over between each rider.

The purpose of the Challenge was to raise money for Chain Reaction and also to increase awareness within the hospital that Nick Youngs, a Monash Heart technician, is riding 1,100 kilometres in this year’s Chain Reaction Challenge between Sydney and Melbourne and is looking for Monash staff to sponsor him.

Special guest appearances were made by Luke Darcy, Andrew McKay and Emma Carney who all very generously donated their time to help raise the profile of Chain Reaction and the Monash Children’s Hospital. Apart from spending time on the bike, Luke also very generously spent some time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit talking to both parents and medical staff.

The day was a great success with over $2,800 raised and the team from Chain Reaction narrowly defeating the team from Monash Heart 330 kilometres to 323 kilometres.

February 2011: Queensland Charity Partners Confirmed

Chain Reaction's Queensland Organising Committee has confirmed that the Royal Children's Hospital and the Starlight Children's Foundation will be its major charity partners for its 1,000 kilometre ride in May between Forster on the NSW central coast and Brisbane.

The Royal Children's Hospital will use the money raised to purchase three cardiac monitors for its Bone Marrow Transplant Unit. These units will allow nursing staff to monitor cardiac function at a higher level than they can at the moment. A child in the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit has to be in isolation for 100 days and requires special monitoring which currently can only be done in an Intensive Care Unit which can be terribly confronting. These cardiac monitors will enable staff to continue to monitor children in the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit rather than moving them to Intensive Care.

The Starlight Children's Foundation will use the money raised to run their Starlight Express Room at the Mater Hospital. The Starlight Express Room is a place where Captain Starlight orchestrates their own brand of fun and mayhem, alongside the latest computer games, movies, crafts and activities. Kids too ill to leave their beds can join in the fun via the daily Captain Starlight shows broadcast to their bedside TVs. Starlight Express Rooms are also a welcome retreat for brothers and sisters wanting to escape the tedium of waiting around in hospital corridors

John Ward, Chain Reaction's CEO said in relation to the decision "It is particularly important to support organisations like the Royal Children's Hospital and the Starlight Children's Foundation at the moment because a large part of their funding for 2011 will have been directed to Queensland Flood Relief Appeals".

February 2011: Chain Reaction riders visit Monash Hospital

Last Saturday, 20 riders from Chain Reaction’s Victorian Challenge visited the Monash Hospital for a briefing from the two major charity partners on where the funds raised will be spent.

For the 2011 Chain Reaction Victorian Challenge the two major charity partners are:

The Monash Children’s Hospital where Chain Reaction’s contribution will help them purchase an MRI Incubator, and

The Starlight Children’s Foundation where Chain Reactions contribution will enable Starlight to run their Starlight Express Room and the Starlight Captain's ward program at the Monash Children’s Hospital for 12 months

Dr Michael Ditchfield, Head of Paediatric Diagnostic Imaging, presented to the riders on the advantages of having an MRI Incubator and how it would provide doctors with invaluable information that will allow them to provide the best possible course of treatment for premature babies and also keep the families fully informed as to what is happening with their child. Equally as important is the fact that an MRI Incubator allows the safe transport and high quality scanning of premature babies without the need to disconnect these babies from their vital life support systems. This means that some babies who would have been considered too high a risk to disconnect from their life support systems will now be able to have an MRI.

Dr Alex Veldman, Neonatal Paediatrician Monash Newborn, then took the riders on a tour of the Monash Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) so that riders could see firsthand those babies that will benefit from the MRI Incubator. Currently Australia only has one MRI incubator, which is in Brisbane, and Dr Veldman and all the staff at Monash NICU are very excited about having Australia’s second MRI Incubator. Dr Veldman also showed the riders the Echocardiograph machine that Chain Reaction purchased for the Monash NICU in 2008 and said the he had "... saved the lives of at least 12 babies thanks to this machine".

Captain Rainbow, one of the Starlight Children’s Foundation’s enthusiastic Captains then took the riders to the Starlight Express Room and explained to riders that Starlight’s sole purpose is to bring smiles to sick children by distracting them from their illness and pain using entertainment and engagement. The Starlight Express Room is a place where Captain Starlight orchestrates their own brand of fun and mayhem, alongside the latest computer games, movies, crafts and activities. Kids too ill to leave their beds can join in the fun via mobile games stations. Starlight Express Rooms are also a welcome retreat for brothers and sisters wanting to escape the tedium of waiting around in hospital corridors.

All Chain Reaction riders left the hospital feeling much more informed about the two major charity partners for the 2011 Victorian Challenge but more importantly much more motivated with their fundraising efforts knowing that they can make a difference with the treatment and recovery of hospitalised children.

November 2010: Simon Gerrans talks at a Chain Reaction Business leaders Lunch

Australian Pro-cyclist Simon Gerrans entertained more than 50 guests at a Chain Reaction Business Leaders Lunch in Melbourne.

Simon is best known for his stage victories in all three Grand Tours (France, Italy and Spain), his top 10 finishes in the European Spring Classics and representing Australia at the Olympics, Commonwealth Games and World Championships.

Simon's presentation gave the audience a true appreciation for the life of a professional cyclist and he spoke about the highs and lows of his 2010 season and compared it to the GFC and its impact on many in the room. Simon low points included crashing three days straight in the Tour de France and ultimately have to withdraw with a broken elbow and a battered and bruised body. Despite this and many other setbacks Simon still managed to finish the season on a high by representing Australia at the World Championships in Geelong and helping Australia achieve a third place in the men’s road race.

The lunch was hosted by Investec Bank one of Chain Reaction’s major supporters and guest were drawn from the Chain Reaction community as well as representatives from other major Chain Reaction supporters, Caramel Creative, Goldman Sachs, ISPT, KordaMentha, PricewaterhouseCoopers and Westfield.

October 2010: Opening of the Cerebral Palsy Education and Training Centre Extension

Chain Reaction founder Berrick Wilson and CEO John Ward attended the official opening of the ‘new wing’ of the Cerebral Palsy Education Centre (CPEC) which was officially opened by Maxine Morand MP, Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development on 28 October 2010.

The construction of this ‘new wing’ was funded from the proceeds of the 2009 Chain Reaction Challenge around Tasmania. CPEC was one of the major charity partners for this ride and received a donation of $215,000 which contributed significantly towards the Education and Training extension. After the 2010 Chain Reaction Challenge between Port Macquarie and Noosa, Chain Reaction contributed an additional $100,000 to fund the fit out of the Education and Training extension.

The opening of the Education and Training extension has delivered a promise of hope and opportunity to every child in the world who is diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Their teachers, therapist and parents will now be able to access the education & training courses presented by the internationally acknowledged CPEC therapy staff from this new building.

As Garry Prigg, CEO of CPEC, said at the opening "If it were not for Chain Reaction the building extension would not exist today".

September 2010: Alannah & Madeline Foundation cheque presentation

Chain Reaction’s Chairman and Founder, Berrick Wilson, today presented a cheque for $200,000 to John Bertrand, Chairman of The Alannah and Madeline Foundation. The cheque represented part of the funds raised from Chain Reaction’s 2010 ride where 42 riders rode 1,000 kilometres between Port Macquarie and Noosa and raised over $875,000 for children’s charities. In presenting the cheque, Berrick said “Chain Reaction is pleased to partner with organisation such as The Alannah and Madeline Foundation and to assist them in the implementation of their Better Buddies program.”

The event was attended by Chain Reaction riders and representatives from its major supports, Goldman Sachs and Partners, Investec Bank, ISPT, KordaMentha, PricewaterhouseCoopers and Arnold Bloch Leibler.

On Tuesday August 24, the Starlight Children's Foundation honoured Chain Reaction riders for their fundraising efforts that will keep the Monash Starlight Express Room doors open for 12 months and also send Starlight Captains into the wards.

42 senior executives came together in the fourth annual Chain Reaction charity bike ride in March this year to raise over $300,000 for Starlight – enough funding for the foundation to operate the Starlight Express Room at Monash Medical Centre for 12 months. It also increases the frequency of Captain Starlight visits to Monash Medical Centre's outpatient's facilities including the Children's Cancer Centre and Adolescent Mental Health Centre. The unveiling of the Chain Reaction commemorative plaque at the Monash Starlight Express Room will be attended by executive riders from across Melbourne including Chairman Berrick Wilson, CEO John Ward and Ambassador Emma Carney along with rider representatives from Arnold Bloch Leibler, Goldman Sachs & Partners Australia, Investec, ISPT and PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Chain Reaction, which has raised over $2.75 million dollars since its first ride in 2007, has grown to be a key funding partner for children's charities and with the appointment of new CEO John Ward they will continue to support children's charities long into the future.

After much in-depth discussion the Melbourne Organising Committee has selected Sydney to Melbourne as the route for its 2011 ride.

This route was chosen because:

It will be the 5th Chain Reaction ride for the Melbourne business community and riding between the two largest cities in Australia is a great way to celebrate the occasion, and

Riding over the Snowy Mountains will be a challenge in itself however we are all hoping the picturesque scenery and a significant amount of training will be sufficient to get the riders through.

Details of the route are still being finalised however at this stage the proposed route see riders leaving Sydney via Wollongong before arriving in Moss Vale. From Moss Vale the peleton will travel south to Jindabyne via Queanbeyan and Cooma. From Jindabyne the fun begins as riders start to climb the Snowy Mountains to Thredbo and Tom Groggin before the descent to Khancoban. From Khancoban there's more climbing as the riders make their way to Bright before finally returning to Melbourne via Mansfield. The ride will start in Sydney on Saturday 12th March and conclude in Melbourne on Friday 18th March.

July 2010: Appointment of CEO - John Ward

Chain Reaction Founder and Chairman, Berrick Wilson, announced the appointment of John Ward to the position of CEO of the Chain Reaction Challenge Foundation. John has been a Board member for three years and now takes on the full-time role as CEO as we enter our 5th year of the event.

The Chain Reaction Challenge Foundation started in 2007 with its first event being a ride from Adelaide to Melbourne in which it raised $475,000 for Children's charities. In four years we have raised $2.75 million and in addition to providing much needed support to our major charity partner the Starlight Children's Foundation we have also:

Purchased a new newborn emergency transport ambulance which you'll now see on the roads with Chain Reaction branding,